Tropical Storm Debby May Hit Florida

MIAMI — Tropical Storm Debby has intensified north of Cuba and is on track to become a hurricane as it approaches the Florida coast. The National Hurricane Center reported that Debby was situated approximately 195 miles south-southwest of Tampa, Florida, and is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend region. A hurricane warning is in effect for parts of the Big Bend and Florida Panhandle, while tropical storm warnings have been issued for the West Coast, southern Florida Keys, and Dry Tortugas. As Debby moves through the Gulf of Mexico, it is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall and coastal flooding to much of Florida's Gulf Coast by Sunday night. The storm could make landfall as a hurricane on Monday, with predictions indicating a storm surge of 2 to 4 feet along the Gulf Coast and up to 7 feet in the sparsely populated Big Bend area. Local officials have responded by ordering mandatory evacuations in Citrus and Levy counties, while voluntary evacuations have been advised in several others. Debby marks the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, following Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl, and Tropical Storm Chris. Residents are urged to prepare for potential impacts, including strong winds and storm surges, as the storm approaches. Meanwhile, in the Pacific, Hurricane Carlotta continues to move westward but poses no threat to land.